The Illinois Secretary of State’s office has awarded more than $1.3 million to the UI System for library service programs.
In a Monday press release, Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced the funding as part of $28.3 million in statewide grants. The grants aim to strengthen library systems, literacy programs and accessibility initiatives.
Of the total awarded to the University, $1,276,679 will go to the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois. The funds support the Illinois Library Delivery Service, which allows CARLI’s 142 member libraries to share physical books across the state.
In addition to the CARLI funding, the Secretary of State’s office awarded $40,781 to Illinois Public Media’s Radio Information Service at WILL. WILL provides narrated newspaper and magazine content for residents with visual impairments and other accessibility needs.
“We are all incredibly grateful that the State of Illinois values libraries of all kinds, and supports our work in this crucial way,” wrote Claire Stewart, the Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson dean of libraries and University librarian, in an email to The Daily Illini.
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CARLI was founded in 2005 to coordinate services for academic and research libraries across Illinois. The consortium manages initiatives such as I-Share, an integrated library system and catalog, and the delivery program funded through grants such as the one announced Monday.
It operates as a unit of the UI System Office for Academic Affairs, according to its website.
Giannoulias’ announcement stated that the latest round of grants included $6.7 million in literacy funding to more than 70 organizations across Illinois.
The grant package also included more than $450,000 to support narrated newspaper content for individuals with visual or other reading impairments and nearly $50,000 for veterans’ home libraries.
